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Bill

HB 101

REGIONAL FARM TO FOOD BANK FUNDING

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Armstrong and 3 co-sponsors

HB 101 establishes state funding for New Mexico farm-to-food bank programs, connecting local farmers with food banks to increase fresh produce distribution to food-insecure communities.

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Bill Summary · HB 101

Legislative bill overview

HB 101 establishes a funding mechanism to support regional farm-to-food bank programs in New Mexico, creating direct connections between local agricultural producers and food banks to distribute fresh produce to food-insecure populations. The bill allocates resources to strengthen food security infrastructure while supporting the state's agricultural economy through institutional market development.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects approximately 1 in 8 New Mexicans, and fresh produce access remains limited in many communities. By creating direct procurement pathways between farms and food banks, the bill addresses dual challenges: reducing food waste on farms while improving nutrition access for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas where food deserts are prevalent.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and amount: The bill's specific appropriation level and whether it diverts funds from other agricultural or social service programs remains unclear from available information
  • Logistics and sustainability: Questions about cold chain management, transportation costs, storage capacity at food banks, and whether the funding model is sufficient for long-term program viability
  • Farm eligibility criteria: Uncertainty about which farms qualify, whether small/mid-size operations are prioritized, and how participating farms are selected could create equity concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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